KESCOM
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KESCOM |
| The Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation Committee | |
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What are Sea turtles?Sea turtles are large, air breathing reptiles that inhabit the tropical and subtropical seas throughout the world. Research on marine turtles has uncovered many facts about these ancient creatures. Sea turtles have for long fascinated people and have featured prominently in the mythology and folklore of many cultures (ccc, 1999). Unfortunately, the spiritual significance of sea turtles has not saved them from being exploited both for food and profit. This is evidenced by the fact that sea turtles once roamed the earth's oceans, but now only a fraction remains. Each of the species of sea turtles looks and behaves distinctly, but they do have several common characteristics. Their shell consists of the upper part (carapace) and the lower part (plastron). Hard scale (scutes) covers all but the Leatherback Turtle. The number and the arrangement of the scutes can be used to identify the turtle species. They do not have teeth but their jaws have modified “beaks” suited to their particular diet. They do not have visible ears but have eardrums covered by the skin. They hear well at low frequencies and their sense of smell is excellent. Their vision under water is good but out of water they are nearsighted. To learn more about sea turtles in Kenya, threats and what you can do to help in their conservation please read the awareness manual(pdf) . Conserving the endangered sea turtles Five species of sea turtles occur in Kenya's marine waters. Three of these i.e. the Green, Hawksbill and the Olive Ridley nest on the sandy beaches of the Kenyan coast while the Loggerhead as well as the Leatherback turtle have been sighted in several foraging grounds off the coast. In Kenya, sea turtles are protected under the Fisheries Act (Cap 378) and the Wildlife Act (CAP 376) of the laws of Kenya, but poaching, consumption and trade in turtle products, destruction of natural habitats and modern fishing methods continue to threaten the survival of the last of these magnificent creatures. In 1993, several individuals, community groups, NGOs, government institutions and a network of volunteers come together and formed the Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation Committee (KESCOM) to address the plight of sea turtles in Kenya. KESCOM has since grown to work in most parts of the Kenyan Coast, increase membership and transformed into a trust. The committee provides a national integrated approach contributing towards global efforts that promote conservation of sea turtles and their habitats. Our objectives In an effort to realize the overall goal of ensuring sustainable levels of sea turtle populations and promoting the wise use of marine resources, KESCOM seeks to fulfill the following broad action areas;
How do we work? KESCOM adopts a community-based approach in its activities. Through our support, over 18 Turtle Conservation Groups (TCGs) with a membership of over 600 local volunteers have been formed, covering over 51 % of the Kenya coastline. These volunteers spend hours patrolling, cleaning and conserving beaches and sea turtle natural habitats. Other activities include in-situ nest protection, tagging and release programs as well as public education and awareness programs. We work through these groups and local communities to implement projects covering the different thematic areas including Research, Conservation Education, Community Mobilization and Ecotourism. Contact Us Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation and Management Trust (KESCOM) © KESCOM 2009
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